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Synopsis: Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.

Until her geneticist brother Tom was murdered, Tania lived an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom's research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean. When Tania reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use her powers to help save Dan's sister in time to keep Tom's secrets safe.

Author Bio: Carol Nicolas lives in northern Utah (USA) with her husband. A native of Canada, she attended BYU-Idaho (formerly Ricks College) and obtained a bachelor's degree in education from Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah USA). A teacher, mother of five, wearer of silly socks, and fan of sci-fi/fantasy books and films, she enjoys growing herbs and vegetables, painting, and researching her family history. She likes rock, pop, Celtic and classical music. She has traveled throughout Europe; her favorite city there is Paris, though the romance of Venice is a close second. She speaks American English (with a Canadian accent after she has been talking with her Canadian family on the telephone for just a few minutes), as well a basic modern Greek, which she studied for 4 years to be able to communicate with her husband's family on their bi-annual trips to Greece. Her deepest secret: she hides chocolate in her desk for emergencies! Her latest book is the YA paranormal, The Sixth Power.

Interview: Q. Please tell us about your current release.

The Sixth Power is about Tania Westing, a high school senior from San Diego. She is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. But Tania has been told never to use her powers or to reveal her abilities. Until her geneticist brother, Tom, was murdered, Tania lived an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom's research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean, who is also Gifted. When Tania reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use her powers to help save Dan's sister and to keep Tom's secrets safe.

Q. Can you tell us about the journey that led you to writing?

Having come from a long line of storytellers and lovers of good books, I’ve always been fascinated by the storytelling process. As a teenager I wrote poems, stories, and even a sappy romantic novel called The Silent Lover, that is safely filed away where no one will see it. I’ve been writing down my ideas and dreams ever since. About five years ago my nephew died, and I began to think seriously about what legacy I wanted to leave behind when it was my time to go. I had many ideas for stories, so I began to write, beginning with what would become The Sixth Power.

Q. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your current release?

As one reader pointed out, people who work in restaurants don’t get their lunch breaks at noon, so I would change the time of Tania and Roger’s lunchtime conversation.

Q. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

When my husband says, “This part isn’t logical! You need to change it...”

Q. Do you have a musical playlist you listen to while writing? If so, what kind of music?

Definitely! I enjoy a wide variety of music, such as Owl City, James Taylor, David Archuleta, Kenny Loggins, Jonas Brothers, Whitney Houston, Simon and Garfunkel, and Miley Cyrus.

Q. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have a stash of chocolate hidden in my desk drawer, and I snack on it as I write.

Q. Do you plan any subsequent books?

I am currently working on a series of books that take place within the world of the Gifted Ones. Claire McDaniels is the main character, a girl who must overcome great odds. There will be romance, mystery, betrayal, murder, and adventure as Claire and her friends work together in order to heal the land and restore the rightful leader of the McDaniels clan.

Q. Please tell us your latest news.

My grandson is coming to visit me! Yeah! I can hardly wait.

Q. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope you enjoy The Sixth Power. If you have time, let me know your thoughts. I’d love to chat.